Daniel

The book of Daniel tells the story of Daniel, a young Israelite who was taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and rose to prominence in the kingdom due to his wisdom and ability to interpret dreams and visions. Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to worship the king's idols and were miraculously protected by God when they were thrown into a furnace. Daniel interpreted several dreams and visions for the king, including one that foretold the rise and fall of various kingdoms, and was promoted to a high rank in the kingdom. After Nebuchadnezzar's death, Daniel continued to serve under subsequent kings, including Belshazzar and Darius, and was thrown into a den of lions for disobeying a decree that prohibited prayer to any god except the king. However, God protected Daniel, and he was eventually released and continued to serve the king. The book also contains a series of apocalyptic visions that Daniel received, which foretold the rise and fall of various kingdoms and the ultimate triumph of God's people.